Current Situation: Containment increased to 82 percent as firefighters continue to focus their efforts in the Elephant Rock and Badger Pass areas. Firefighters installed an extensive sprinkler system at the base of Elephant Rock to reinforce the hand line established there. The tactical firing operation progressed slowly down the valley towards the hand line. As temperatures rose this afternoon, fire activity increased along the service road near Chinquapin. With the help of air support, firefighters were able to hold multiple small spot fires and contained an area where fire went beyond the planned fire line. Firefighters remain vigilant patrolling for spot fires across the containment lines and are readily assisted by air support as needed.

Once humidity rises tonight, crews will continue the burning operations. Firefighters will also patrol and hold containment lines around the fire perimeter.

Weather: Monsoonal moisture moved into the area today producing some cloud cover. Humidity will be between 20 and 40 percent overnight. The inversion will return and smoke will settle in the valley.

Area Opportunities: The unique Gateway Communities of Yosemite National Park are open for visitors. Highway 120 also known as Yosemite’s Tioga Road is open through the Park, this includes Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, White Wolf Campground, Soda Spring, Tenaya Lake, and Lembert Dome. The Sierra and Stanislaus National Forests have abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors returning to Mariposa Valley should be mindful of firefighters, equipment, and road construction delays. For information regarding visiting Yosemite Park call (209) 372-0200.

Closures and Restrictions:

Road Closures:

Highway 140 (El Portal Road) east from the entrance of Yosemite National Park

Wawona Road (Residents Only to Yosemite West.)

Yosemite Valley

Yosemite National Park: Yosemite Valley, the Mariposa and Merced groves of giant sequoias, Hetch Hetchy, among other areas, are closed. For more information, go to nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200.

U.S Forest Service: A closure order is in effect Groveland Ranger District in the vicinity of the Ferguson Fire on the Stanislaus National Forest. The Sierra National Forest Closure due to the Ferguson Fire can be found at the Sierra National Forest website.

Evacuations:

Yosemite Valley (Residence and Employees only were allowed to enter at 10 AM, August 8, 2018)